Words of wisdom from a little further down the road.
If your teenager is feeling the pressure of exams, like their whole future hangs on a set of results, you’re not alone. And neither are they.
From the Future is a personalised letter service designed to offer comfort, confidence and a little perspective - all wrapped up in a warm, handwritten message from their future self.
Written with care, humour and heart, each letter is created using your answers to a short questionnaire. It's a thoughtful way to help your teen feel seen, encouraged and reminded that they’re more than just an exam result.
A little nudge from their future self to keep going, keep believing, and know that they’ve got this. We all need to know we’re going to be ok and sometimes the best person to hear that from, is ourselves!
Whether they’re overwhelmed, doubting themselves, or just need a lift, this letter is something they can hold onto, revisit, and hopefully draw some strength from.
Why I created this
This idea was born after seeing my friend’s teenagers really struggling with the pressure of exam season. Anxious, overwhelmed and feeling strung out. I wanted to offer something creative, gentle and encouraging. Something I wish I’d had at that age.
Because I found that time in my life really hard too. Consumed by fear and pressure. And, I didn’t know what lay ahead - all the people I’d meet, all the adventures, the changes, the growth. If I could go back and whisper to that younger version of myself, I’d tell her that there’s so much more to come. That it’s all going to work out for the best. That she’s going to be okay.
So I thought maybe I could try and recreate that for someone else right now and send a message from further down the track. A voice of reassurance, a little humour, and a reminder that their future self is already proud of who they are becoming and has their back.
Fill in the questionnaire below and I will prepare a handwritten letter and pop it in the post to your wonderful, courageous human!
Please read the FAQs below for more info
FAQS
Who is the letter for?
This letter is designed for teenagers preparing for exams (typically aged 14–18), who might be feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. It’s written to encourage them, make them smile, and help them feel supported.
What exactly will they receive?
They’ll receive a personalised letter, written as if from their future self. It’s light-hearted, uplifting and thoughtfully crafted using answers from a short questionnaire. They will receive it as a posted letter.
How personalised is the letter?
Very! Each letter is written individually, using the information you share in the questionnaire - from the young person’s interests and personality to what they’re currently finding challenging. It’s not generated by AI or pulled from a template.
That said, I won’t always be able to include everything from your questionnaire. Part of the process is weaving the details together in a way that feels natural, authentic and not overly scripted. But I promise to hold your responses with care and use them thoughtfully to shape a letter that feels personal, encouraging and as real as possible.
Is the letter appropriate for all teenagers?
The tone is gentle, positive and age-appropriate. The aim is to reassure and uplift, not to offer advice or direction. If your child is experiencing high levels of anxiety, or any mental health challenges, this letter is not intended to replace professional support - but it can sit alongside it as a fun, thoughtful gesture of encouragement.
What sort of things do you write in the letter?
Each letter is different, but the tone is always warm, encouraging and gently humorous - like a wise, slightly older version of them looking back with kindness and perspective.
For example, for a teenager who’s feeling the pressure to get their grades, I might write something like: ‘What happens now, in this time of your life, leads you to the most amazing experiences, people and adventures in the future. Just know that you’e always going to have exactly what you need and a life that you truely love.’
I aim to help them feel seen, supported and gently nudged to trust that it’s all going to be ok. Because it is!
What about safeguarding and privacy?
All information you provide is kept strictly confidential and used solely for the purpose of writing the letter. I never contact your child directly and all initial communication is with the adult placing the order. If you have any specific concerns, you’re welcome to contact me.
Can I read the letter before giving it to my teen?
Part of the magic of From the Future is that it’s just for them - something personal, reassuring, and truly their own. If you feel comfortable, I’d encourage you to trust the process once you’ve completed the questionnaire and let them be the first to read it. Often, knowing the letter hasn’t been seen by anyone else makes the message feel more meaningful and memorable.
That said, if there’s a specific reason you’d like to preview the letter first, just let me know when you order and I’ll send you images of the handwritten version before it goes in the post.
How long does it take to receive the letter?
Letters are usually sent within 3-5 working days of receiving the completed questionnaire. If you need it by a specific date (e.g. before an exam or event), just let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate.
Can I request a letter for a different occasion or reason?
Yes. While From the Future was created with exam season in mind, the concept can be adapted for other moments too. If there’s a specific situation, milestone or challenge you have in mind (such as a birthday, moving schools, results day or just needing a confidence boost), I’d love to support you.
Feel free to get in touch and we can chat about creating something bespoke. You can reach me at contact@karenveramcmillan.com
I wouldn’t mind a letter from my future self! Can I order one for me or another adult?
For sure! While From the Future is designed for teenagers, if you or another grown-up are in need of a confidence boost and a cuddle in letter form, feel free to get in touch and we can see what future-you has to say.
Who’s behind this?
I’m Karen, a creative human who was once a struggling teenager myself. I created From the Future after watching friends’ teenagers struggle during exam season and wanted to find a way that I could support them. These letters are a little creative time-travel to offer the kind of perspective I wish I’d had at that age.